FASTENING DEVICE

Abstract

A fastening device comprising a base. The base comprises a first side and a second side spaced from the first side with respect to a first axis, a third side and a fourth side spaced from the third side with respect to a second axis, a top and a bottom surface spaced from the top surface with respect to a third axis, the first, second, and third axes being perpendicular to each other, and one or more receptacles arranged between the top and the bottom surface. The fastening device further comprises one or more clamps arranged in the one or more receptacles.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The information contained in this section serves to present the context of the disclosure in general terms. Works of the inventors mentioned herein, insofar as they are described in this introduction, as well as aspects of the description that might not otherwise be considered prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor implicitly admitted as prior art against this disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to fastening devices and in particular to a fastening element for attaching a line to a vehicle or machine.

[0003] Fasteners or clamps are commonly used to secure components such as brake lines, fuel lines, wiring harnesses, etc., to another component or structure, such as a vehicle or machine. These fasteners play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and functionality of various systems within a vehicle by ensuring that components are securely fixed to prevent damage and maintain optimal performance. However, manufacturing these fasteners requires extensive resources to accommodate lines, pipes, tubes, and other components of varying shapes and diameters. This manufacturing effort limits the flexibility and adaptability of the fasteners to different applications.

[0004] Despite the widespread use of these fasteners, existing devices often fail to meet the diverse requirements of modern vehicle designs. Many current fasteners lack the versatility to securely fix components of varying sizes and shapes without requiring multiple different fasteners, leading to inefficiencies in manufacturing and application. This disclosure aims to address these shortcomings.

[0005] US 2024 / 0280125 A1 discloses a one-piece holding device with a body that has several openings oriented in different directions for receiving a fastening strap. A component is fastened by guiding the strap through one of the selected openings. DE 20 2016 106 809 U1 describes a two-part, modular fastening system comprising a base element and a clip element that can be mounted thereon. The two elements are connected by a rotatable locking mechanism that allows the clip element to be locked in various angular positions relative to the base element. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A fastening device comprises a base. The base comprises a plate with a first side and a second side spaced from the first side with respect to a first axis, a third side and a fourth side spaced from the third side with respect to a second axis, a top and a bottom surface spaced from the top surface with respect to a third axis, the first, second, and third axes being perpendicular to each other, and one or more receptacles arranged between the top and the bottom surface. The fastening device further comprises one or more clamps arranged in the one or more receptacles.

[0007] The one or more receptacles comprise a first guide and a second guide spaced apart from the first guide with respect to the first axis. The first guide has a first surface facing the second side, and the second guide has a second surface opposite the first surface and facing the first side. The first guide includes a first groove extending between the first surface and the first side with respect to the first axis and between the third side and the fourth side with respect to the second axis, and the second guide includes a second groove extending between the second surface and the second side and between the third side and the fourth side with respect to the second axis, the first groove and the second groove defining an opening.The plate further comprises a locking arm arranged in the opening between the first guide and the second guide. The locking arm includes a locking mechanism with a contact surface facing the third side and a holding surface facing the fourth side.

[0008] According to at least one aspect, the base may also have a fastening element with a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The proximal end may be connected to the underside of the plate, and one or more engagement ribs may be connected to the distal end and extend towards the underside of the plate. The fastening element may have a flange projecting from the underside of the plate and one or more steps arranged on the engagement ribs, with the one or more steps being opposite the flange.

[0009] In a further embodiment, a fastening device is provided that includes a base. The base comprises a plate with one or more receptacles and a fastening element connected to the plate. The fastening device includes one or more clamps arranged in the one or more receptacles. The one or more clamps comprise a first side and a second side spaced apart from the first side, a third side and a fourth side spaced apart from the third side, a top and a bottom surface spaced apart from the top surface, and a cavity extending between the third and fourth sides and between the top surface and the bottom surface.

[0010] The fastening device may have one or more of the following optional features. For example, the one or more clamps may include at least one first clamp for accommodating a conductor with a first diameter and one or more additional clamps for accommodating a conductor with a diameter other than the first diameter.

[0011] According to at least one aspect, the one or more clamps further comprise an arm having a proximal end connected to the upper surface and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal end, the distal end being located within the cavity. The arm may project beyond the cavity and comprises an engagement surface extending between the proximal end and the distal end.

[0012] According to another aspect, the one or more clamps can also comprise a first rail and a second rail connected to the underside, with the first rail arranged parallel to the second rail. The first rail can have a first inner surface and a first outer surface opposite the inner surface. The first rail can include a first track extending from the first outer surface to the second side. The second rail can have a second inner surface and a second outer surface opposite the second inner surface. The second rail can include a second track extending from the second outer surface to the first side, as well as a bar connected to the second inner surface and extending to the first inner surface.

[0013] In a further embodiment, a vehicle is provided comprising a vehicle body with a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end with respect to a longitudinal axis, and at least one conduit assembly connected to the vehicle body and extending between the first end and the second end. The at least one conduit assembly includes one or more fastening devices.The one or more fastening devices comprise a base with a plate having a first side and a second side spaced from the first side with respect to a first axis, a third side and a fourth side spaced from the third side with respect to a second axis, a top and a bottom surface spaced from the top surface with respect to a third axis, the first, second, and third axes being perpendicular to each other, and one or more receptacles arranged between the top and bottom surfaces. The at least one fastening device comprises one or more clamps connected to the plate.The one or more clamps comprise a first side and a second side spaced apart from the first side of the one or more clamps with respect to the first axis, a third side and a fourth side spaced apart from the third side of the one or more clamps with respect to the second axis, and a top and a bottom surface spaced apart from the top surface of the one or more clamps with respect to the third axis.

[0014] The vehicle may have one or more of the following optional features. For example, the third side of one or more terminals may be flush with the third side of the plate. The fourth side of one or more terminals may be flush with the fourth side of the plate.

[0015] According to at least one aspect, the at least one line arrangement may further comprise one or more lines of different diameters extending between the first end and the second end of the vehicle body, the one or more lines being connected to each line arrangement. The one or more lines may include a brake line, a fuel line, or a wiring harness. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The drawings described here serve only to illustrate selected designs and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Fig. 1 is a side view of a vehicle in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a clear example of a cable arrangement with one or more fastening elements; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective rear view of one or more fastening elements made of Fig. 2 with a base and one or more terminals; Fig. 4A is a perspective top view of the base made of Fig. 3; Fig. 4B is a perspective view from below looking down at the base. Fig. 3; Fig. 4C is a front view of the base made of Fig. 3; Fig. 4D is a top view of the base made of Fig. 3; Fig. 5A is a perspective rear view of one or more terminals from Fig. 3; Fig. 5B is a rear view of one or more terminals made of Fig. 3; Fig. 5C is a front view of one or more terminals made of Fig. 3; Fig. 5D is a top view of one or more clamps made of Fig. 3; Fig. 5E is a view from below of one or more terminals from Fig. 3; and Fig. Figure 6 is a front view of the fastener made of Fig. 3, which is in a part of a vehicle body of the vehicle made of Fig. 1 is arranged.

[0017] Corresponding reference symbols identify corresponding parts in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Based on the accompanying drawings, exemplary embodiments are now described in more detail. These exemplary embodiments are provided to illustrate this disclosure comprehensively and to convey its full scope to the person skilled in the art. Specific details are given, such as examples of specific components, devices, and processes, to offer a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments described in this disclosure. It is understood by the person skilled in the art that specific details need not be used, that exemplary embodiments can take many different forms, and that the specific details and exemplary embodiments should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[0019] The terminology used here serves only to describe specific training examples and is not to be understood as restrictive. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular articles "ein," "eine," and "der," "die," "das" used here are intended to also include the plural forms where applicable. The terms "umfassen," "umfassend," "haltten," and "aufweisen" are inclusive and thus indicate the presence of features, steps, processes, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, processes, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The procedural steps, processes, and operations described here are not to be interpreted as necessarily having to be carried out in the specific order explained or illustrated, unless they are explicitly marked as a sequence of execution.Additional or alternative steps can be applied.

[0020] When an element or layer is described as being "on" or "interacting with" another element or layer, or as being "connected" or "coupled" or "attached" to the same, it may be directly on or interacting with, connected with, coupled to, or attached to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. However, when an element is described as being "directly on" or "directly interacting with" another element or layer, or as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" or "attached" to the same, there must be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted similarly (e.g.,(e.g., "between" as opposed to "directly between", "neighboring" or "adjacent" as opposed to "directly adjacent" or "directly bordering", etc.). The term "and / or" used here encompasses all combinations of one or more of the listed points.

[0021] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used here to describe different elements, components, areas, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, areas, layers, and / or sections should not be restricted by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, area, layer, or section from another. Unless explicitly stated by the context, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply any particular sequence or order.Thus, one could refer to a first element, a first component, a first area, a first layer or a first section, which are discussed below, as a second element, second component, second area, second layer or second section, without deviating from the teachings of the exemplary trainings.

[0022] In this application and the definitions below, the term "module" may be replaced by the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit, a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit, a combinational logic circuit, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a processor (common, dedicated, or group) that executes code, a memory (common, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by a processor, other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality, or a combination of some or all of the above components, for example, in a system-on-a-chip.

[0023] The term "code," as used above, can include software, firmware, and / or microcode and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term "shared processor" includes a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor" includes a processor that, in combination with additional processors, executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "shared memory" includes a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory" includes memory that, in combination with additional memory, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "memory" can be a subcategory of the term "computer-readable medium."The term "computer-readable medium" excludes transitory electrical or electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium and can therefore be considered tangible, non-transient storage. Non-restrictive examples of non-transient storage include tangible, computer-readable media, including non-volatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.

[0024] The devices and methods described in this application can be implemented in whole or in part by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs comprise processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transient, concrete, computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include and / or be based on stored data.

[0025] A software application (i.e., a software resource) can refer to computer software that causes a computer device to perform a task. In some examples, a software application may be called an application, app, or program. Examples of applications include system diagnostics applications, system administration applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0026] Non-transient memory can be physical devices used for the temporary or permanent storage of programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program status information) for use by a computer. Non-transient memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., typically used for firmware, such as boot programs). Examples of volatile memory include random-access memory (RAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), static random-access memory (SRAM), phase-change memory (PCM), and floppy disks or tapes.

[0027] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) contain machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in a procedural and / or object-oriented high-level programming language and / or in assembly language / machine language. The terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" as used here refer to all computer program products, non-transient computer-readable media, apparatus, and / or devices (e.g., magnetic disks, optical disks, memory, programmable logic circuits (PLDs)) that serve to supply machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to all signals that serve to supply machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0028] Various embodiments of the systems and techniques described herein may be implemented in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various embodiments may include the implementation in one or more computer programs that are executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor that can be used for special or general purposes and is coupled such that it receives data and instructions from and transmits data and instructions to a storage system, as well as at least one input device and at least one output device.

[0029] The processes and logical sequences described in this patent can be executed by one or more programmable processors, also known as data processing hardware, which run one or more computer programs to perform functions by responding to input data and producing outputs. The processes and logical sequences can also be executed by specialized logic circuits, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). Processors suitable for executing a computer program include, for example, both general-purpose and specialized microprocessors, as well as one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Generally, a processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory, random-access memory, or both.The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer also includes one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic, magneto-optical, or optical disks, or is functionally coupled to them to receive data from or transmit data to them, or both. However, a computer does not necessarily have to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.The processor and memory can be supplemented by special logic circuits or integrated into them.

[0030] To enable interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the revelation can be implemented on a computer that has a display device, such as a CRT or LCD monitor or a touchscreen, to show information to the user, and optionally a keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, with which the user can input information into the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to enable interaction with the user; for example, the user can receive any form of sensory feedback, such as visual, auditory, or tactile feedback, and user input can be received in any form, including acoustic, verbal, or tactile input. Furthermore, a computer can interact with a user by sending and receiving documents to and from a device used by the user, such as...by sending web pages to a web browser on a user's client device after requests have been received from the web browser.

[0031] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 presents an illustrative example of a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 comprises a vehicle body 12 with a first or front end 14 and a second or rear end 16, which is spaced apart from the front end 14 with respect to a longitudinal axis 18. The vehicle 10 includes one or more wheels 20, which are connected to the vehicle body 12.

[0032] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The vehicle 10 comprises one or more line assemblies 100 extending between the front end 14 and the rear end 16. The line assemblies 100 may include a line 102 having a first end 104 and a second end 106 spaced apart from the first end 104. The line 102 may be configured to carry a fluid (e.g., fuel, brake fluid, hydraulic fluid, etc.) between the first end 104 and the second end 106. The line 102 may also be configured to accommodate one or more wires (e.g., a wiring harness). By further reference to Fig. 2. The line arrangements 100 may include one or more fastening devices 200 (hereinafter referred to as fastening device or fastening devices) for fastening the line 102 to a part of the vehicle 10, e.g. the vehicle body 12.

[0033] With reference to Fig. Figure 3 shows an illustrative example of the fastening device 200, which has a first or upper end 202 and a second or lower end 204 spaced apart from the upper end 202. The fastening device 200 also includes a first or right end 206, a second or left end 208 spaced apart from the first end 206, a first or front side 210, and a second or rear side 212 spaced apart from the first side 210. The fastening device 200 includes a base 300 and one or more clamps 400 arranged on or otherwise connected to the base 300.

[0034] With reference to Fig. Figures 4A-4D illustrate a clear example of the base 300. The base 300 comprises a plate 302 and one or more fasteners 304 (hereinafter referred to as the fastener or fasteners) connected to the plate 302. The plate 302 comprises a first side 306 and a second side 308, which is spaced apart from the first side 306 with respect to a first axis 310. The plate 302 also comprises a third side 312, which extends between the first side 306 and the second side 308, and a fourth side 314, which is spaced apart from the third side 312 with respect to a second axis 316 and extends between the first side 306 and the second side 308. The first axis 310 is perpendicular to the second axis 316.The plate 302 comprises a top surface 318 and a bottom surface 320, which is spaced from the top surface 318 with respect to a third axis 322 that is perpendicular to both the first and second axes 310, 316. As in . Fig. As shown in Figure 4C, one or more recesses 324 can be arranged between the first side 306 and the second side 308, as well as between the top 318 and the bottom 320. In the present illustrative embodiment, the plate 302 comprises three recesses 324, but the number of recesses can vary (i.e., one, two, n recesses, etc.), and the principles of this disclosure apply equally. Each of the recesses 324 comprises a first guide 326 and a second guide 328, which is spaced apart from the first guide 326 with respect to the first axis 310. The first guide 326 comprises a first surface 330 ( Fig. 4B), which faces the second side 308, and the second guide 328 includes a second surface 332 ( Fig. 4A), which is opposite the first surface 330 and faces the first side 306. The first guide 326 can include a first groove 334 extending between the first surface 330 and the first side 306 with respect to the first axis 310 and between the third side 312 and the fourth side 314 with respect to the second axis 316. The second guide 328 can include a second groove 336 extending between the second surface 332 and the second side 308 and between the third side 312 and the fourth side 314 with respect to the second axis 316. The first groove 334 and the second groove 336 define an opening 338 and, as explained in more detail below, can be configured to receive part of the one or more clamps 400. The plate 302 can further comprise a locking arm 339 which is arranged in the opening 338 between the first guide 326 and the second guide 328.The locking arm 339 comprises a proximal end 340 and a distal end 342, which is spaced apart from the proximal end 340. With reference to . Fig. 4C and Fig. 4D, the proximal end 340 can be arranged next to the fourth side 314 and extend towards the third side 312, such that the locking arm 339 cantilevers between the proximal end 340 and the distal end 342. The distal end 342 can have a locking element 344 comprising a contact or conical surface 346 and a retaining surface 348. As will be explained in more detail below, the one or more clamps 400 can be configured to contact the contact surface 346 and cause the locking arm 339 to bend with respect to the first axis 310. When the clamp 400 moves past the approach surface 346, the locking arm 339 can return to its original position, and the holding surface 348 can engage the clamp 400 and hold it in place and / or prevent it from being accidentally removed from the base 300, for example.

[0035] With reference to Fig. 4B and Fig. 4C The fastening element 304 is connected to the underside 320 of the plate 302 and extends away from the plate 302 with respect to the third axis 322. In the present illustrative embodiment, the base 300 comprises a fastening element 304; however, the number of fastening elements can vary (i.e., two, three, n fastening elements, etc.), and the principles of this disclosure apply equally. The fastening element 304 can have a flange 350 that is connected to and projects from the underside 320 of the plate 302. The fastening element 304 includes a central column 352 that is connected to the flange 350 and / or the plate 302. With reference to Fig. 4B comprises the central column 352, in particular a proximal end 354 connected to the flange 350 and / or the plate 302, and a distal end 356 spaced apart from the proximal end 354. The engagement webs 358 are connected to the distal end 356 and extend towards the plate 302. The engagement webs 358 each comprise one or more steps 360 facing the underside 320 of the plate 302. In general, the fastening element 304 can be configured to engage and hold a substrate (e.g., a part of the vehicle body 12) between the flange 350 and the one or more steps 360.

[0036] With reference to Fig. Figure 5A shows a clear example of the terminals 400, which are designed to receive and secure a line, such as a brake line, fuel line, wiring harness, etc. The terminals 400 comprise a first side 402 and a second side 404, which is spaced from the first side 402 with respect to the first axis 310. The terminals 400 also comprise a third side 406, which extends between the first side 402 and the second side 404, and a fourth side 408, which is spaced from the third side 406 with respect to the second axis 316 and extends between the first side 402 and the second side 404. The terminals 400 comprise a top 410 and a bottom 412, which is spaced from the top 410 with respect to the third axis 322.

[0037] With reference to Fig. 5A, Fig. 5B and Fig. In 5C, each terminal 400 comprises a cavity 414 extending between the third side 406 and the fourth side 408, and between the top 410 and the bottom 412. The cavity 414 may include a slot 416, also extending between the third side 406 and the fourth side 408. The slot 416 may be configured to receive and / or retain a portion of the conductor 102 or another component commonly used in the automotive industry. For example, a lip 418 may extend from the slot 416 into the cavity 414 between the third side 406 and the fourth side 408. The lip 418 may be desirable to retain a portion of the conductor 102 within the slot 416. The slot 416 may have a radius corresponding to that of the conductor 102. It should be noted that terminal 400 may be designed to accommodate cables of different diameters.In other words, one of the 400 terminals can be configured to accept lines with a diameter between a first and a second diameter, and another 400 terminal can be configured to accept lines with a diameter between a third and a fourth diameter. In other words, one of the terminals can be configured to accept a brake line, one of the 400 terminals to accept a fuel line, and another of the terminals to accept a wiring harness, with one or more of the aforementioned components having a different diameter than the other components. The 400 terminal can also be configured to accept other automotive components not listed here.

[0038] With renewed reference to Fig. 5A, Fig. 5B and Fig. 5C The clamps 400 can have an arm 420 extending from the top 410 into the cavity 414 towards the bottom 412. In particular, the arm 420 can have a proximal end 422 that is connected to and / or defines a portion of the top 410, and a distal end 424 that is spaced apart from the proximal end 422. As will be explained in more detail below, the arm 420 cantilevers outwards from the cavity 414 and can bend and return to its original position or close to it. The arm 420 comprises an outer or engagement surface 426 and an inner surface 428 that faces the engagement surface 426. The arm 420 can also include a hand 430 that is connected to and arranged on the distal end of the arm 420. The hand 430 can extend between the third side 406 and the fourth side 408 and project in relation to the arm 420.One or more fingers 432 can be connected to and extend from the hand 430. The hand 430 and one or more fingers 432 can, for example, engage with the line 102 and help to hold it in the cavity 414.

[0039] With renewed reference to Fig. 3. The terminals 400 can be configured to be connected to one another. In the present illustrative example, the terminals 400 are configured to be connected to one another before being attached to the base 300. In a further embodiment, however, the terminals 400 can be configured to be connected to one another and also attached to the base 300.

[0040] With reference to Fig. 5A, Fig. 5D and Fig. 5E A tongue 434 can be connected to or otherwise attached to the first side 402 and extend between the top 410 and the bottom 412. The tongue 434 can comprise a first segment 436 connected to the first side 402 and a second segment 438 connected to and perpendicular to the first segment 436.

[0041] With reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. In section 5D, a channel 440 can extend between the top 410 and the bottom 412 and be configured to receive the tongue 434. In other words, the channel 440 includes a first opening 442 that extends through part of the second side 404 and between the top 410 and the bottom 412. The channel 440 also includes a second opening 444 that extends through the top 410 to the bottom 412. The first opening 442 can be arranged perpendicular to the second opening 444.

[0042] With reference to Fig. 3. The tongue 434 of one of the terminals 400 can be arranged in a channel 440 of another of the terminals 400 during assembly. In particular, the first segment 436 can slide into the first opening 442 and the second segment 438 into the second opening 444 with respect to the third axis 322.

[0043] With reference to Fig. 5E On the underside 412, one or more rails are arranged which are configured to correspond to and / or engage with one of the receptacles 324. The one or more rails can comprise a first rail 446 and a second rail 448 parallel to the first rail 446. The first and second rails 446, 448 extend between the third side 406 and the fourth side 408. The first rail 446 comprises a first inner surface 450 and a first outer surface 452 opposite the first inner surface 450. The first rail 446 can further comprise a first track 454 which extends from the first outer surface 452 to the second side 404 with respect to the first axis 310. The first track 454 can be configured to correspond to the first groove 334 of the receptacles 324. The second rail 448 comprises a second inner surface 456 and a second outer surface 458 opposite the second inner surface 456.The second rail 448 can also include a second track 460 (. Fig. 5A), extending from the second outer surface 458 to the first side 402 with respect to the first axis 310. The second track 460 can be configured to correspond to the second groove 336 of the receptacles 324. The second track 460 can also include a bar 462 connected to the second inner surface 456 and extending to the first inner surface 450. The bar 462 can have a first bar surface 464 facing the fourth side 408 and a second bar surface 466 facing the third side 406.

[0044] During assembly, one of the terminals 400 can be coupled as described above and then aligned with the receptacles 324 on the third page 312.

[0045] In other words, the first rail 446 of each clamp 400 is arranged between the first guide 326 and the locking arm 339 of one of the receptacles 324, and the second rail 448 is arranged between the second guide 328 and the locking arm 339 of the same receptacle 324. A user or a machine can advance the clamps 400 with respect to the second axis 316 so that the first locking surface 464 of the clamps 400 engages the approach surfaces 346 of the locks 344. The locking arms 339 flex with respect to the first axis 310, allowing the locking bolts 462 to move past the lock 344. As the locking bars 462 move past the locking arms 339, the locking arms 339 gradually return to or approach their original position, and the second locking bar surfaces 466 engage the retaining surface 348. The third side 312 of the base 300 can be flush with the third side 406 of the clamps 400.Additionally or alternatively, the fourth side 314 of the base 300 can be flush with the fourth side 408 of the terminals 400.

[0046] With reference to Fig. 6. The fastening device 200 can be arranged in relation to a part of the vehicle body 12. In other words, the fastening element 304 can be inserted into an opening 22 of the vehicle body 12. The engagement webs 358 contact a part of the opening 22 and bend inwards with respect to the first axis 310. The part of the vehicle body 12 can be located between the one or more steps 360 and the flange 350. According to at least one aspect, the fastening device 200, and in particular the fastening element 304, can be designed such that it cannot be easily removed from the vehicle body 12 without damaging the fastening element 304.

[0047] A number of embodiments have been described. However, it is understood that various modifications can be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Consequently, other embodiments also fall within the scope of the following claims.

[0048] The foregoing description serves for illustration and description. It is neither exhaustive nor intended to limit the revelation. Individual elements or features of a particular training are generally not restricted to that training, but are interchangeable and may be used in a selected training, even if they are not specifically presented or described. They may also be modified in many ways. Such modifications are not to be understood as a deviation from the revelation, but rather as falling within the scope of the revelation.

Claims

[1] Fastening device (200) comprising: comprising a base (300): comprising one plate (302): a first side (306) and a second side (308) which is spaced apart from the first side (306) with respect to a first axis (310), a third side (312) and a fourth side (314) which is spaced apart from the third side (312) with respect to a second axis (316), a top (318) and a bottom (320) which is spaced apart from the top (318) with respect to a third axis (322), wherein the first axis (310), the second axis (316) and the third axis (322) are perpendicular to each other, and one or more receptacles (324) arranged between the top (318) and the bottom (320); and one or more terminals (400) arranged in the one or more receptacles (324); wherein the one or more mounts (324) comprise a first guide (326) and a second guide (328) which is spaced apart from the first guide (326) with respect to the first axis (310); wherein the first guide (326) has a first surface (330) facing the second side (308), and the second guide (328) has a second surface (322) opposite the first surface (330) and facing the first side (306); wherein the first guide (326) comprises a first groove (334) extending between the first surface (330) and the first side (306) with respect to the first axis (310) and between the third side (312) and the fourth side (314) with respect to the second axis (316), and the second guide (328) comprising a second groove (336) extending between the second surface (332) and the second side (308) and between the third side (312) and the fourth side (314) with respect to the second axis (316), wherein the first groove (334) and the second groove (334) define an opening (338); wherein the plate (302) further comprises a locking arm (339) arranged in the opening (338) between the first guide (326) and the second guide (328); wherein the locking arm (339) comprises a locking mechanism (334) which has a approach surface (346) facing the third side (312) and a holding surface (348) facing the fourth side (314). [2] Fastening device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the base (300) further comprises a fastening element (304) with a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, wherein the proximal end is connected to the underside (320) of the plate (302), wherein one or more engagement webs (358) are connected to the distal end and extend towards the underside (320) of the plate (302). [3] Fastening device (200) according to claim 2, wherein the fastening element (304) has a flange (350) projecting from the underside (320) of the plate (302) and one or more steps (360) arranged on the engagement webs (358), the one or more steps (360) being opposite the flange (350). [4] Fastening device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more clamps (400): comprising a first side (402) and a second side (404) which is spaced apart from the first side (402) of the one or more terminals (400) with respect to the first axis (310), comprising a third side (406) and a fourth side (408) which is spaced apart from the third side (406) of the one or more clamps (400) with respect to the second axis (316), and comprising a top (410) and a bottom (412) which is spaced apart from the top (410) of the one or more clamps (400) with respect to the third axis (322). [5] Fastening device (200) according to claim 4, wherein the third side (406) of the one or more clamps (400) is arranged flush with the third side (312) of the plate (302) and the fourth side (408) of the one or more clamps (400) is arranged flush with the fourth side (314) of the plate (302).

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